Pakistan to send special envoys to US, Europe

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf is sending five special envoys to the US, Europe and several Muslim countries to explain Pakistan's stand on tensions with India.

The envoys would carry Musharraf's message that Pakistan does not want war with India and is ready to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue, Pakistan foreign ministry officials were quoted as saying by an agency report.

The decision to dispatch envoys follows Musharraf's hardline speech on Monday accusing India of war mongering.

Former president Farooq Ahmed Leghari has been asked to visit Russia and Germany to explain Pakistan's position on the Kashmir issue and steps taken by Islamabad to de-escalate tensions with India.

Officials said other emissaries include former Senate chairman Wasim Sajjad, former foreign secretary Najmuddin Sheikh, former envoy to India Ashraf Jehangir Qazi and former army chief General Jehangir Karamat.